Schnauzer Giant Dog Breed Profile

The Giant Schnauzer is a member of the working group in Britain and the United States, but in the utility group in Australia. They were originally used for cattle herding; today they are companion dogs. In Europe they are used for police work and in security.

The Giant Schnauzer is a large sized dog that appears almost square. The breed is sturdy and muscular with an alert outlook. Hair on the eyebrows, moustache and legs is longer than elsewhere, giving them a very distinctive appearance. The Giant has a rectangular head and the body length equals the height at the withers.

Height

Min

Max

Bitch

60cm (24")

65cm (26")

Dog

65cm (26")

70cm (28")

Weight

Min

Max

Bitch

41kg (90lbs)

41kg (90lbs)

Dog

45kg (99lbs)

45kg (99lbs)

Size Category

Large

Weight Height Range

Dogs should measure between 65-70cms at the withers and weigh 45.5kgs. Bitches should measure between 60-65cms and weigh 41kgs.

Ailments

There have been concerns over the temperament and hip dysplasia in the Giant Schnauzer. These have been reduced through responsible breeding and screening. There have been cases of epilepsy, hypothyroidism and cataracts.

Common Ailments

Skin problemsDigestive problems

Susceptibility To Illness

Medium

Other

History

A Schnauzer type dog has been represented in art and sculptures as early as the 1400’s. The Giant Schnauzer evolved from the Standard Schnauzer. It originates from southern Germany and the nearby regions of Switzerland and France. Originally it was used as a cattle herder in the 15th century until the railroads were developed. In the 19th century the Giants became popular in the towns as guard dogs. During the world wars this dog was used for police and war work, resulting in the breed being nearly wiped out. They were first shown in 1909 and first appeared in America at this time. They have never really been popular dogs but they have many endearing qualities.

Intelligence

The Giant Schnauzer is an intelligent dog that is easily trained, although it does need consistent training, as they can be quite stubborn. As puppies they do require lots of socialisation and training. They are used widely in Europe for police and security work.

Show Characteristics

The head should be strong, being flat between the ears. They should have a powerful blunt muzzle and a strong jaw with a perfect scissor bite. The eyes should be of medium size, dark and oval, with arched bushy eyebrows. The ears should be V shaped and high set. The neck should be relatively long, strong and slightly arched. The chest should be deep and broad, and the topline strong and straight, slightly higher at the shoulder than the back end. The body length should be the same as the height at the withers. The front legs should appear straight when viewed from all angles, the back legs should be well muscled. The feet should be compact, round and short. The tail is customarily docked to 2 joints, high set and carried slightly above the topline. The coat should be harsh and wiry with a dense undercoat. White Schnauzers are rarely seen in the show ring.

Country Of Origin

Germany

Famous Examples

Records Held

Characteristics

Energy

High

Overall Exercise

> 2 hours per day.
Giant Schnauzers enjoy exercise and play, however they can play roughly so they should be closely supervised in case the game gets too rough. They do like to be kept active and love the outdoors.

Giants are lively, active dogs and they can be stubborn and wilful and need a firm hand when training. They can become one man or one family dogs and may become very territorial. They do get on well with other dogs, household pets and children. They are ideally suited to the active family. They are quick to alert the family of any strangers approaching their territory, as they are excellent guard dogs. They should be socialised and training started at an early age. They are not the ideal dogs for the novice owner.

Grooming

Coat Length

Short/Medium

Grooming Requirement

> Once a week

Trimming

Requires Professional Groomer

True

Grooming

The coat of the Giant is harsh, wiry and short with a dense undercoat. All over grooming is required at least twice a week. Hand stripping is a must for the show ring but clipping is straightforward and easy for the smart family pet.

Colour

They can be salt and pepper, black with silver markings, solid black or white in colour, but only black and salt and pepper is seen in the show ring.